Red-Striped Killifish (Aphyosemion striatum)

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Red-Striped Killifish

Aphyosemion striatum3957.jpg
Red-Striped Killifish

Aphyosemion striatum

19 Litres (5 US G.)

4-5 cm (1.6-2")

sg

Freshwater

pH

5.5 - 7.5

20 -24 °C (68-75.2°F)

3-12 °d

1:2-3 M:F

Carnivore
Pellet Foods
Flake Foods
Live Foods

3-5 years

Family

Nothobranchiidae

This animal is available captive bred





Additional names

Red-Striped Killifish, Five-Banded Killifish

Additional scientific names

Epiplatys striatus, Haplochilus striatus, Panchax striatus


Origin[edit]

Africa: lower Mitémele river drainage in southern Equatorial Guinea and the Mbei, Komo, Gabon, Abanga and lower Ogowe river drainages in northwestern Gabon.

Sexing/reproduction[edit]

Males are brightly colored and have somewhat longer fins, while females are pale brown. There are a number of geographic varieties, but the sexual differences are the same. If in good condition, they will lay a few eggs each day, usually near the surface; fry may grow up alongside the parents if enough cover is provided, but better success can be had by moving the eggs to another tank. The fry can take baby brine shrimp and microworms immediately.

Tank compatibility[edit]

This killifish is not openly hostile but will habitually fin nip most other species, even short finned species like danios. Best kept in a species tank. Males can be hard drivers and are best outnumbered by the females.

Diet[edit]

Not a particularly picky killifish and will frequently accept flake food; however, the fish's health and spawning success will be better if live and frozen foods are regularly provided.

Feeding regime[edit]

Once to twice per day, nothing particularly unusual.

Environment specifics[edit]

Aphyosemion striatum is a hardy, adaptable killifish that can be kept in a variety of setups, from bare bottom tanks with spawning mops to fully furnished planted tanks (though the former often work better for spawning them). They prefer slightly soft water but will readily breed in hard water as well. They reportedly do not do well at temperatures consistently above 75 fahrenheit, and can go down to the mid 60's without harm; an ideal range is 68-75. Like most killifishes, they jump well and need a secure lid.

Notes[edit]

An adaptable species that serves as a good introduction to the world of killifish keeping, though they are not particularly good community fish due to their fin nipping tendencies.

Pictures[edit]

External links[edit]